Iowa vs. Northwestern Prediction
Is No. 20 Iowa going to struggle to cover a nearly double-digit spread on the road when it takes on Northwestern today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
131 Iowa vs. 132 Northwestern
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Noon ET – Ryan Field
TV: ESPN2
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Iowa is favored on the road, as the Hawkeyes are getting odds of -9 points against Northwestern. The over/under total for the game is listed at just 37 points. The public betting currently has 59 percent going on Iowa as the road favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Northwestern drops another
The Northwestern football team continued its losing streak last weekend with a 52-3 loss at home to Ohio State. The Wildcats have lost four straight to fall to 1-5 on the season. They are also 0-4 in the Big Ten, 2-4 against the spread and 4-2 with the under.
Despite the poor record, Northwestern has a respectable defense. The Wildcats are giving up 25.2 points and 346.7 yards per game. Joe Gaziano is leading the defense with 29 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Offensively, Northwestern is averaging just 12.5 points and 277.3 yards per game. The Cats haven’t gotten anything from their QB’s, as Hunter Johnson and Aidan Smith have combined for 682 passing yards with two touchdowns and nine interceptions. Drake Anderson is leading the offense with 405 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Iowa gets back on track
The Iowa football team put an end to a two-game losing streak this past weekend when the Hawkeyes defeated Purdue 26-20 at home. Iowa is now 5-2 on the season, 2-2 in the Big Ten, 2-5 against the spread and 5-1-1 with the under.
Iowa has one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing just 11.6 points and 275.6 yards per game. Offensively, Iowa is putting up 25 points and 405.6 yards per contest. Nate Stanley has thrown for 1,771 yards and nine touchdowns while Mekhi Sargent has 397 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Ihmir Smith-Marsette is the leading receiver with 27 catches for 443 yards and three touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Northwestern
The Wildcats are 11-3-1 against the spread in their last 15 games in October and 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 conference games.
Iowa
The Hawkeyes are 1-4 against the spread in their last five conference games and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.
Prediction:
Northwestern has had Iowa’s number in recent years, winning and covering the spread in the last three meetings. Iowa’s offense on the road does concern me, but this Northwestern defense isn’t what is has been in previous seasons. The Wildcats have given up 52 to Ohio State and 31 to Michigan State at home already. Iowa will find ways to score while its defense does a good job of limiting this banged-up Northwestern offense.
College Football Week 9 Prediction: Iowa -9
Related: Iowa vs. Northwestern Total Prediction